Abstract:

This study was designed to portray some of the personal attributes of Emma Lou Diemer, a contemporary composer, and to describe her compositional processes and products through videotaped interviews. Over a two year period and during five days of interviews and discussion, Dr. Diemer and this writer developed a rapport allowing the composer to reveal insights into her attitudes about music composition and her methods and techniques for composing. The writer then prepared and edited the videotaped interviews specifically for the following purposes:1. to provide insight into Emma Lou Diemer's philosophy of music composition2. to offer first-hand commentary on two of her own compositions3. to give composers and conductors insight, in Dr. Diemer's own words, into her compositional processes.The two videotapes central to this study provide visual records of the discussions of the composer at work, thereby allowing viewers access to her original comments, facial expressions, conversational nuances, and humor. The tapes show Dr. Diemer's energy, vitality, and sense of purpose as she continues to seek creative channels within her chosen field of composition.The videotapes are supported by a written document containing background information, related literature, and a biography of Emma Lou Diemer. Chapter four contains the narratives of the videotaped interviews and a discussion of two of Diemer's compositions, "There is a Mom Unseen" and "To Come So." The final chapter includes a summary and recommendations for further research.The writer recommends the use of videotape for recording interviews with contemporary composers; this medium was an effective tool for this study. Suggested procedures include: the recording of a composer's perspectives on interpretations of his/her compositions, recording of composing techniques, videotaping of the composer as performer or conductor, and videotaping of related performances of a composer's works by selected individuals and groups.Suggested audiences for the videotapes prepared for this study are: 1. university composition classes;2. conductors preparing to present compositions by Emma Lou Diemer in concert;3. high school groups looking at composition as a career;4. individuals who wish to study Dr. Diemer's compositional processes and style.